“For All Kings 7-Inch Box Set”
Anthrax
Megaforce Records
Tracks: 20

Our score: 3 out of 5 stars

Available exclusively in North America via Megaforce Records is the limited edition “For All Kings 7-Inch Box Set” (Megaforce Records). Released in conjunction with the band’s upcoming Spring co-headline tour with Killswitch Engage the set box set includes 10 7-inch vinyl discs featuring 20 songs – the 11 finished album tracks, two brand new covers (The White Stripes’ “Black Math” and the classic Kansas song “Carry On”), six demos from the “For All Kings” track listing, and “Vice of the People,” a bonus track previously released only in Japan.

Anthrax fans still clamoring for more after the 2016 release of “For All Kings” are certainly in for a treat with this limited edition box set. Not only do you get all the “For All Kings” tracks but you also receive the demo version of the songs contained on the flip side of each seven inch. This was a feature I really enjoyed because you could compare the finished album track with the bands initial idea. Pretty neat if you’re a hardcore music nerd like me. If that wasn’t enough the band made sure to throw in some new material as well including a covers seven inch which contained easily my favorite track from the set a cover of Kansas’s “Carry On” which was paired with a unique rendition of the White Stripes track “Black Math”. That’s still not all as the band chose to also include “Vice of the People” a song originally not released in the States along with a bunch of great artwork by Douglas Heusser and Stephen Thompson, as well as band photos by Jimmy Hubbard.

The big question you might ask “is this worth the $79.99 price tag?” To that I have to say if you already have the “For All Kings” album and are happy with that you may want to save your cash and get a ticket for “Kill-Thrax” spring tour as they might not be enough “new” material here for you. However if you loved the album and want to revisit it in seven inch vinyl formatting, check out the new exclusive art work and add an extremely rare edition to your collection of metal vinyl then Yes! Clean out that bank account and purchase yourself a copy of the “For All Kings 7-Inch Box Set”.

Track Listing:
Disc 1
Breathing Lightning (album version)
Breathing Lightning (demo)

Disc 2
Monster At The End (album version)
Monster At The End (demo)

Disc 3
Suzerain (album version)
Suzerain (demo)

Disc 4
Black Math (White Stripes cover)
Carry On (Kansas cover)

Disc 5
You Gotta Believe (album version)
For All Kings (album version)

Disc 6
Evil Twin (album version)
This Battle Chose Us (album version)

Disc 7
All Them Thieves (album version)
Vice of the People (previously unreleased in North America)

Disc 8
Zero Tolerance (album version)
Zero Tolerance (demo)

Disc 9
Blood Eagle Wings (album version)
Blood Eagle Wings (demo)

Disc 10
Defend Avenge (album version)
Defend Avenge (demo)

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Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo
Michael Schenker
inakustik
Tracks: 18

Our score: 3 out of 5 stars

Michael Schenker, one of music’s greatest rock guitarists has just released a new live album titled “Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo”. Recorded at Tokyo’s International Forum on August 24, 2016 via inakustik this historic concert features guest appearances from some of the greatest rock vocalists who have worked with Schenker over the years including M.S.G.’S Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley of the McAuley Schenker Group.

For Michael Schenker fans not fortunate enough to have been able to attend the “Michael Schenker Fest” last year in Tokyo, Japan the latest live offering from the prolific guitarist has you covered. Together with inakustik the listen is instantly catapulted front and center for a barrage of riff-tastic goodness courtesy of Schenker and, a bevy special guests from Michael various groups. Tracks like “Attack of the Mad Axeman” featuring Gary Barden, “This Is My Heart” featuring Robin McAuley and probably my favorite track off the release “Doctor Doctor” which features Gary Barden, Graham Bonner and Robin McAuley all side by side with Schenker and his band.

Though I found the albums overall mix to be a touch thin the performances on each of the albums 18 tracks more than made up for any audio short comings as each performance was quite enjoyable. I also liked that the release is available in a variety of formats (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray) allowing you to have two different experiences with the same release. Long time Schenker fans will certainly want to pick this up for their collection.

Track Listing:
CD 1
1.) Intro: Searching For Freedom
2.) Into the Arena
3.) Attack of the Mad Axeman
4.) Victim of Illusion
5.) Cry for the Nations
6.) Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
7.) Armed and Ready
8.) Coast to Coast
9.) Assault Attack
10.) Desert Song
11.) Dancer

CD 2
1.) Captain Nemo
2.) This Is My Heart
3.) Save Yourself
4.) Love Is Not a Game
5.) Shoot Shoot
6.) Rock Bottom
7.) Doctor Doctor

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“American Beauty”
CJ Ramone
Fat Wreck Chords
Tracks: 12

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

Out of the seven billion or so people on the planet, only seven men have been lucky enough to be gifted with the Ramone surname. As of 2017, four have already headed off to that great gig in the sky. Thankfully, CJ Ramone has no plans to leave any time soon and his latest album “American Beauty” is sure to solidify that statement. The album which is being released via Fat Wreck Chords features twelve brand new tracks and is the follow up to Ramones 2013/14 album “Last Chance to Dance”.

Though the original Ramones lineup is no longer with us thankfully guys like CJ Ramone who was a member of the band from 1989 to 1996 when the band officially retired are still around and making music to fill that empty void. “American Beauty” is the latest offering from CJ and his band who continue to wave the flag for the originators of pop infused punk rock. With subtle nods to his former band mate’s tracks like “Let’s Go”, “Girlfriend In a Grave Yard” and “Run Around” all tap into that same appeal vintage Ramones tracks have but with a modern and somewhat updated twist. Tracks like “Without You” which features a guest appearance by Big Eyes front-woman Kate Eldridge is a catchy back and forth love song about being apart while the track “Tommy’s Gone” is a somber acoustic driven number paying tribute to original Ramones drummer Tommy Ramone (Erdelyi) who passed away in 2014.

Whether you’re a casual listener or a devoted Pinhead CJ Ramones’s “American Beauty” has something for you. From catchy vocal lines and pogo inducing choruses to overdriven guitars and thumping drums and bass the latest offering from a this true punk veteran is worth a listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Let’s Go
2.) Yeah Yeah Yeah
3.) You’ll Never Make Me Believe
4.) Before the Lights Go Out
5.) Girlfriend in a Graveyard
6.) Tommy’s Gone
7.) Run Around
8.) Steady as She Goes
9.) Without You
10.) Be a Good Girl
11.) Moral to the Story
12.) Pony

Amy Lee is the co-founder/lead singer for the Grammy Award winning rock group Evanescence. Lee has also participated in numerous other musical projects and has performed as a solo artist. Amy’s latest release is for the film “Voice From the Stone” starring Emilia Clarke and Marton Csokas. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Amy recently about the film, her experience at Skywalker Ranch and what’s in-store for Evanescence this year.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your new single “Speak to Me”?

Amy Lee: This was quite different for me. Writing a song comes from a lot of different places. This one has a really cool and unique story. It was written for the film “Voice From the Stone” which I got to actually see before writing the song. I really loved the film as it made feel so many different things. Being a new mother I was really able to connect with the film main theme as it centers on the bond between mother and son. For me to watch that and relate it to the new huge inspiration in my life I instantly knew it was something I wanted to do. I spoke on the phone with the film’s director Eric Howell and Michael Wandmacher the films composer and we had a great talk about the directional idea and once we were off the phone I went straight to the piano and came up with the initial idea. That doesn’t always happen with me. Sometimes I can go months waiting for an idea to come that I feel is good enough to move forward with. Working on this track was a very inspiring experience.

AL: Were you basing your idea on a portion of the films score or
was it something completely separate from that?

Amy: When I saw the film the score was there but it wasn’t completely finished. They weren’t looking for me to do anything related to the score. They wanted me to write the one and only song in the film which has lyrics. It was helpful to see the visuals and hear some of what was going on as it helped me envision the finished product.

AL: Was this your first time writing for a film?

Amy: I have actually written quite a few things for movies however, most of the time it hasn’t made it through all of the different doors you have to go through to get to the final product. (Laughs) There have been several things that have made it though. In 2014 I did my first score which was a much bigger undertaking as opposed to doing just one song when I worked with David Eggar on the movie “War Story”. There’s another film titled “Blind” coming out later this year that I worked on the score for as well. My experience working on this latest film was very unique as I was able to travel to Italy and visit the filming locations and I was also invited out to Skywalker Ranch in California while they were mastering parts of the film. That was just a dream come true!

AL: Do you ever find differences between writing solo/Evanescence material and music for films?

Amy: Definitely. When I am writing for Evanescence or for my solo stuff and I am writing something that is supposed to represent me. I have these expectations I set for myself to ensure that whatever I do represents who I am. From the lyrics to the music I want it to showcase me. Luckily there are lots of sides of who we are so I get the chance to go down a lot of roads. When you are writing for something like a movie where you are trying to represent the emotions of a character you have to put yourself in that place and try to speak artistically from that view point. Even though it’s someone else’s emotions you are their voice and vehicle. This is different but it’s a nice change as you are allowed to make other choices

AL: What was it like being able to work at Skywalker Ranch?

Amy: After showing my idea to everyone a couple days after our initial talk and them really liking it I was invited to the Ranch to record. I had never been away from my son at the time as he was only thirteen months old. I had to really think about things as it was such a great opportunity but living in New York I would have to fly across the country to California and leave my baby for the first time ever. We hadn’t even had just a single overnight away from one another at this point. After deciding to do it things really couldn’t have been more perfect. Being away put me emotionally in the right place to write the song as I was dealing with separation which was something the song needed. It was just perfect. The ranch is such a great place for creation. There recording studio is the most immaculate place I have ever seen. I actually stayed there and when you are a guest you get stay in your own private cottage with a bike you can ride from place to place on. The one night I was there I had this idea in the middle of the night so I rode my bike down to the studio and just started working. It was the perfect free space to work. Any chance I get to work there again I will certainly take it.

AL: Can you give us an update on your solo work and what is going on with Evanescence?

Amy: About a month ago I released a new solo song called “What Exists”. Looking at my solo releases I feel like I have released more than I actually have. (Laughs) I certainly feel like I have done a lot. I have done a lot of covers. Doing covers is something you can put your own style to without the pressure of having to write a song. I did some of those covers for Disney a few years back. Evanescence has started touring again and we are gearing up to start next month. We will be in South America for a few weeks then we go to Europe. We are working on a bigger project right now which I can’t talk about just yet but we will be releasing something this year. I am very excited!

AL: Any other projects you would like to mention that you have been working on?

Amy: I worked on the score for an independent film titled “Blind”. The film stars Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore. I am not sure of the exact release date for it but I believe it should be coming out this summer, possibly fall. It was a different type of project for me. I didn’t do the soundtrack but as there was a need for music David Eggar would call me. It’s a very different film than “War Story”. For me it’s really fun to be able to work on different things as I get to learn about different genres of music or how to play a different way. There are different feelings which come along with all of that. It’s great to be able to find new collaborators and projects as you are giving yourself the space and a reason to try new things which I think can only be good for you.

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Alex Grossi is one of the busiest guitarists in today’s music scene. Some of his projects include the bands Beautiful Creatures, Hookers and Blow, Hotel Diablo and most notably Quiet Riot which he joined in 2003. Alex’s newest project Maps to the Hollywood Scars” recently released a new EP titled “Vol. 1” featuring former American Idol contest James Durbin. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Alex recently about the new project and the recent addition of James to the Quiet Riot lineup.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the new project Maps to the Hollywood Scars and, how you and James Durbin came together?

Alex Grossi: I had met James back in 2011 through a mutual business acquaintance when he was doing American Idol. We became friends during that time but lost touch for a few years. It wasn’t until James was doing a residency in Las Vegas recently that we reconnected and I started sending him demos. He was recording some great melodies and lyrics and the more we worked the better things kept getting. Eventually we have almost a dozen songs done. We decided to put out an EP to see how things would go and that led to us doing a second one and so on. Things happened very organically and we are very happy where things are at.

AL: What was the process like for working on the new EP titled “Vol.1”?

AG: I had been working on songs as they came to me for about a year prior. When I sent them to James he immediately got it and was inspired. There was really no set plan for anything but I had been demoing songs for about a year and finally found the right outlet for them. Having James come in has been great and also working with our producer AJ St James and Dizzy Reed who played piano and strings.

AL: How did Dizzy Reed become involved with the project?

AG: I have been playing in a cover band we do called Hookers and Blow for the past twelve or thirteen years. When we wrote the song “Death” I could just hear the string parts and piano parts. I sent him the song and asked him what he could add and what he sent back is what you hear on the record. He did a great job and nailed it.

AL: Are there any plans to tour behind this release?

AG: There have been some offers that have come in but with the both of us now being in Quiet Riot we have to work around that schedule and we would have to put a band together. Right now we are only going to do what makes sense for everyone as it’s hard to schedule something for spring and summer when we already have commitments with Quiet Riot. There has been talk of doing some late night television appearance but as far as a full blown tour we will probably only do a show here or there. It’s a side project and something that we want to keep special. We have plans but we just have to wait for the right time when everyone’s calendars line up.

AL: Can you give us an update on the recent Quiet Riot line-up change?

AG: We just announced James as our new singer and we are currently recording the new album with him titled “Road Rage”. We have bunch of new tour dates that just went up on the Quiet Riot website which will taking us all over the country and also to Canada. More shows keep getting added to it hard to keep up with them all. (Laughs) We are very grateful for the support which keeps us going.

AL: How instrumental were you in bringing James into the Quiet Riot fold?

AG: I was demoing the songs with James and during that time I was sending the tracks over to Frankie to check out. He has been very supportive of the project since I started it so when it came time make a singer change I offered to call James up and see if he would be interested. I called him up; he said he was interested and about two weeks later things were on their way. We did rehearsals and a photo shoot and that was it. It all happened very quickly. James is such a pro in that he came in prepared knowing all the songs and was ready to go. I am very blessed to play with such a great group of guys. We all get along great and I am really excited to get out there with this new lineup.

AL: What other projects are you currently working on?

AG: Back in 2002 I joined Beautiful Creatures replacing DJ Ashba. We recorded an album called “Deuce” which we just got the rights back to. We remixed and re-mastered that album along with adding a few new things. That is going to be released March 31st. We are calling it “Deuce Deluxe” it’s going to have a bunch of new stuff on it and it sounds really great. I also do a fun cover band with Dizzy Reed called Hookers and Blow which we will be doing some shows here and there. I also am working still with Steven Adler. Getting to see him play with Gn’R this summer was amazing.

For more info on all of Alex’s projects visit: www.alexgrossimusic.com

“Fear of Missing Out”
The Bombpops
Fat Wreck Chords
Tracks: 12

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

San Diego punkers The Bombpops are set to explode with their first full-length album titled “Fear of Missing Out”. Released via Fat Wreck Chords the 12 track album is the follow up to the bands 2015 self released EP titled “Can of Worms” and hits with a sound and energy that harkens back to punks resurge in the 90’s.

Fat Wreck Chords has a long and fabled history as one of the independent leaders of punk rock music so whenever I get a chance to check out a new release from them I jump at the chance. Right from the albums opening track “Capable of Lies” to the closing notes of “All in a Day’s Lurk” the album is two parts nostalgia and two parts new as the 4 piece band consisting of Poli van Dam, Jen Razavi, Josh Lewis and Neil Wayne provide listeners with 90’s styled pop-punk fueled with modern day angst. Tracks like “CA in July”, “Watch Me Fold” and “Sweet for Sorrow” are definitely worth noting as they provide a perfect example of my previous statement.

If you were ever into bands like Dance Hall Crashers or Save Ferris then you definitely owe it to yourself to check out The Bombpops and their latest release “Fear of Missing Out”. Not only does the band/album provide a new take on a familiar sound each track’s catchiness is through the roof making it an album you can throw on repeat and listen to multiple times.

Track Listing:
1.) Capable of Lies
2.) CA in July
3.) Be Sweet
4.) Sweet for Sorrow
5.) Jerk
6.) FOMO
7.) I Can’t
8.) Watch Me Fold
9.) Forever Since
10.) Brake Lights
11.) Marry. Fuck. Kill
12.) All in a Day’s Lurk

“Season of the Witch”
John 5 and the Creatures
60 Cycle Hum
Producer: John 5
Tracks: 13

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

World-Renowned guitarist John 5 and his band The Creatures are back with a brand new 13 track album titled “Season of the Witch”. The album (John’s 8^th as a solo artist) is being released via 60 Cycle Hum is the follow up to his 2014 release “Careful With that Axe”.

John 5 seems to be one of those guys who is constantly going and perfecting his craft. From his work with Rob Zombie and Rod Stewart to scoring films and appearing as a guest performer on dozens of albums each year the guy always seems to be playing. John’s latest offering “Season of the Witch” blends, twists and smashes a variety of genres leaving practically no musical stone unturned over the course of its 13 track, 37 minute run time. From the sample laden opener “Book of Spells”, to the Rush-esque “Guitar, Tits and Monsters and the layered back twang filled echoes of “Behind the Nut Love” listeners are take on a rollercoaster ride of sound and emotion as the virtuoso lets his guitar do all of the talking. Backed by an equally impressive band known as “The Creatures” consisting of bassist Ian Ross and drummer Rodger Carter the trio connects flawlessly providing an enjoyable listening experience.

Don’t let the albums brief runtime fool you as John 5 and the Creatures pack every ounce of musicality they can in to each and every second of “Seasons of the Witch”. Easily his most diverse solo effort to date John 5 showcases his ability and diverse tastes by blending country, funk, rock and metal with his love for the macabre into one cohesive package that provides listeners with something new each time you listen.

Track Listing:
1.) Book of Spells
2.) The Black Grass Plague
3.) Guitars, Tits and Monsters
4.) Now Fear This
5.) Behind the Nut Love
6.) Making Monsters
7.) Cr. Evil’s Spookshow
8.) Here’s to the Crazy One’s
9.) The Macabre
10.) Ddd
11.) Hell Haw I.G.R.
12.) Ode to Jasper
13.) Season of the Witch

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World-Renowned Guitarist JOHN 5 Releases New Album “Season of The Witch”, Kicks off solo tour in support.

“Season Of The Witch”, the brand new full-length instrumental solo album from world-renowned guitarist JOHN 5, is out now and can be ordered via iTunes, Amazon and John-5.com, or streamed via Spotify.

In celebration of the album’s release, JOHN 5 and The Creatures are kicked off their U.S. tour in Fife, WA on March 3rd. The tour will hit roughly 35 cities (with more potentially TBA), coming to an end in Chicago, IL on April 16. Tickets and VIP are available now – visit http://www.john-5.com/main/tour for more information.

JOHN 5 and the Creatures “SEASON OF THE WITCH” Confirmed Tour Dates:
3/3 – Fife, WA @ Louie G’s
3/4 – Everett, WA @ Tony V’s Garage
3/5 – Portland, OR @ Star Theater
3/9 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub
3/10 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
3/11 – Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55
3/12 – San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
3/16 – Fullerton, CA @ The Slidebar Rock-n-Roll Cafe
3/17 – West Hollywood, CA @ Whisky A Go Go
3/18 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill
3/19 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
3/20 – Mesa, AZ @ Club Red
3/22 – Austin, TX @ Grizzly Hall
3/23 – San Antonio, TX @ Fitzgerald’s Bar & Live Music
3/24 – Tyler, TX @ Clicks Live
3/25 – Houston, TX @ Scout’s Bar
3/26 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
3/29 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings
3/30 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighbourhood Theatre
3/31 – Greensboro, NC @ Blind Tiger
4/1 – Wilmington, NC @ Calico
4/2 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Shaka’s
4/3 – Richmond, VA @ Capitol Ale House
4/5 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East – Downstairs
4/6 – Derry, NH @ New Tupelo Music Hall
4/7 – Queens, NY @ Blackthorn 51
4/8 – Boonsboro, MD @ The Stage House
4/9 – Falls Church, VA @ The State Theatre
4/10 – Sellersville, PA @ Sellersville Theater
4/11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh
4/12 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora Ballroom
4/13 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House
4/14 – Indianapolis, IN @ Vogue
4/15 – Westland, MI @ The Token Lounge
4/16 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies

JOHN 5 online:
www.john-5.com
www.facebook.com/John5official
www.twitter.com/john5guitarist
www.instagram.com/john5official

SLAYER…LAMB OF GOD…BEHEMOTH…
Spreading The Apocalypse This Summer

LOS ANGELES, CA – Tuesday, February 28, 2017 — There are many perilous ways one can spend time off – Volcano-boarding down Cerro Negro, Nicaragua’s active volcano, or maybe bungee jumping from a helicopter over the bubbling crater of Chile’s Villarrica. How about a visit to Sao Paulo’s Snake Island, home of some 4000 golden lancehead vipers whose venom can melt human flesh, or shark diving without a cage in South Africa. But nothing is quite as hazardous or risky as a night in the pit at a Slayer concert. Add to that the ferociousness of Lamb of God and Behemoth, and you’ve got a Satan-approved triple bill of Biblical proportions.

The six-week expedition will rage across North America beginning July 12 in Bemidji, MN, winding up in Phoenix, AZ on August 20. Slayer and Lamb of God will also play Wisconsin’s Rock Fest 2017 (7/13) and Rock USA 2017 (7/15), and then meet up with Behemoth at the Chicago Open Air Festival on July 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 3; log on to www.slayer.net/tour for all purchasing details.

JULY
12 Sanford Center, Bemidji, MN
13 Rock Fest 2017, Cadott, WI (Slayer and Lamb of God on this bill)
15 Rock USA 2017, Ford Festival Park, Oshkosh, WI (Slayer and Lamb of God on this bll)
16 Chicago Open Air Festival, Toyota Park, Chicago, IL (Slayer, Lamb of God and Behemoth on this bill)
18 Express Live!, Columbus, OH
20 Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC
21 St. Augustine Amphitheater, St. Augustine, FL
23 Electric Factory Outdoors, Philadelphia, PA
25 Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
27 Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
28 Pier Six Pavilion, Baltimore, MD
30 Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN

AUGUST
1 Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS
2 1stBank Center, Denver, CO
4 The Joint, Las Vegas, NV
5 The Forum, Los Angeles, CA
9 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, CA
11 The Cuthbert Amphitheater, Eugene, OR
12 WaMu Theatre, Seattle, WA
14 Encana Events Center, Dawson Creek, BC CANADA
15 SMS Equipment Stadium, Fort McMurray, AB CANADA
17 KettleHouse Amphitheater, Missoula, MT
19 Isleta Amphitheater Albuquerque, NM
20 Comerica Theater, Phoenix, AZ

SEETHER ANNOUNCE U.S. TOUR DATES IN SUPPORT OF

“POISON THE PARISH” NEW ALBUM OUT MAY 12

Seether (Shaun Morgan — vocals/guitar, Dale Stewart — bass/vocals, and John Humphrey — drums) have revealed details for the Poison the Parish World Tour, which includes headline shows and major festival appearances throughout the spring and summer of 2017. The extensive touring plans come in support of Poison the Parish, their recently announced seventh studio album, set for release via Canine Riot Records on May 12, 2017.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 3 at 10AM local time. Every ticket order will include a physical copy of Poison the Parish. Ticket and VIP package information can be found at here.

A portion of all tickets sold for the Poison the Parish World Tour will benefit the Rise Above Fund, which is a subset of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, the largest suicide prevention organization in the country and the band’s partner on the Rise Above Fest.

Now in its fifth year, Rise Above Fest has expanded to two days, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Darling’s Waterfront Park in Bangor, Maine. Performers include Korn, Shinedown, Stone Sour, Skillet, Halestorm, Falling in Reverse and more. For RAF tickets and information, visit Rise Above Fest.

Guitarist Clint Lowery of Sevendust will augment the band’s line-up throughout the upcoming trek, adding his signature axe-work to Seether’s new songs and deep repertoire.

Support acts for the tour include: Letters From the Fire (May 2 through May 27; July 16 through August 20), Through Fire (June 1 through June 7), Kaleido (May 2 through June 10), and Big Story (from July 16 through August 20).

“We want this tour to be exciting and different — a departure from what people expect from us, while retaining the qualities that make us unique, in order to entertain the fans. It’s going to be loud, heavy, old school Seether with a couple of twists thrown in to keep things exciting.”

Seether’s 2017 international tour dates will be announced soon.

SEETHER U.S TOUR DATES:
4/29 — Ft Meyers, FL — Monster Energy Fort Rock at JetBlue Park*
4/30 — Jacksonville, FL — Monster Energy Welcome to Rockville at Metropolitan Park*
5/2 — Lancaster, PA — Chameleon Club**
5/3 — Lancaster, PA — Chameleon Club**
5/5 —Tuscaloosa, AL — Druid City Music Hall**
5/6 — Nashville, TN — War Memorial Auditorium
5/7 — Concord, NC — Carolina Rebellion 2017 at Charlotte Motor Speedway*
5/9 — Asbury Park, NJ — Stone Pony**
5/10 — Asbury Park, NJ — Stone Pony**
5/11 — Wallingford, CT — The Dome at Toyota Presents Oakdale **
5/14 — Boston, MA — House of Blues**
5/16 — Clifton Park, NY — Upstate Concert Hall**
5/17 — Niagara Falls, NY — Rapids Theatre**
5/19 — Pittsburgh, PA— Stage AE**
5/20 — Columbus, OH —Rock on the Range 2017 at Mapfre Stadium*
5/22 — Grand Rapids, MI — 20 Monroe Live**
5/24 — Detroit, MI — St. Andrew’s Hall**
5/25 — Detroit, MI — St. Andrew’s Hall**
5/27 — Omaha, NE — Sokol Auditorium**
5/28 — Pryor, OK — Rocklahoma*
6/1 — Boise, ID — Knitting Factory Concert House***
6/2 — Portland, OR —RoZone Waterfront Stage — KFBW Radio Show*
6/3 — Seattle, WA — 2nd Annual Crazy Beverage Bash at Showbox SoDo*
6/5 — San Francisco, CA — The Fillmore***
6/6 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues***
6/7 — Tempe, AZ — Marquee Theatre***
6/10 — Saint Louis, MO —The Pageant***
6/11 — South Bend, IN — The Bear’s Big Growl Six*
7/15 — Bridgeview, IL — Chicago Open Air at Toyota Park*
7/16 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room at Old National Centre^
7/18 — Cincinnati, OH — Bogart’s^
7/19 — Cleveland, OH — House of Blues ^
7/22 — Bangor, ME — Rise Above Fest at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion*
7/24 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage^
7/25 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage^
7/27 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore^
7/29 — North Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues^
8/1 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom^
8/2 — Springfield, MO — Gillioz Theatre^
8/4 — Saint Paul, MN — The Myth^
8/5 — Milwaukee, WI — Eagles Ballroom^
8/6 — Peoria, IL — Limelight Eventplex^
8/8 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater^
8/9 — Sioux Falls, SD — The District^
8/11 — Glendive MT — Dawson County Fairgrounds ^
8/14 — Boulder, CO — Boulder Theater^
8/16 — Wichita, KS — The Cotillion Ballroom^
8/17 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues^
8/19 — San Antonio, TX — The Aztec Theatre^
8/20 — Houston, TX — House of Blues^

*Festival Date
**Featuring Letters From the Fire + Kaleido
***Featuring Through Fire + Kaleido
^Featuring Letters From the Fire + Big Story

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AT THE DRIVE IN
“in • ter a • li • a”
OUT MAY 5 ON RISE RECORDS
NEW TRACK “INCURABLY INNOCENT” OUT NOW
NEW TOUR DATES ON SALE TBC

“As precise in its aggression as At The Drive In’s post-hardcore prog-rock has always been; it’s also a gauntlet thrown down”—THE NEW YORK TIMES

“Ladies and gentlemen, the band is back to… save the day.”—NERDIST

With praise still reverberating from December’s unveiling of “Governed By Contagions,” At The Drive In has issued another clarion call from its first album in 17 years: “Incurably Innocent” is the second track to be released in advance of that record, titled in • ter a • li • a, now available for pre-order and confirmed for release May 5 on Rise Records.

Pitting spacey phaser and thrash-y riffing against a sidewinder hook and siren wail, “Incurably Innocent,” described by vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala as “a song about sexual abuse and being able to finally speak out,” reveals additional facets of the kaleidoscopic in • ter a • li • a (Latin for “among other things”). Produced by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Rich Costey at Hollywood’s Sound Factory, the 11-song 41-minute in • ter a • li • a picks up where 2000’s Relationship of Command left off… and rockets off into myriad other trajectories as unpredictable as they are intense.

in • ter a • li • a’s release will be immediately followed by a new series of live dates beginning in At The Drive In’s native El Paso, Texas and including headline dates at the likes of the Bill Graham Civic Center in San Francisco, the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and more. Le Butcherettes will support on the new dates (below in BOLD). For further information, updates and tickets, go to www.atthedriveinmusic.com/tour/

“in • ter a • li • a” tracklist:

NO WOLF LIKE THE PRESENT
CONTINUUM
TILTING AT THE UNIVENDOR
GOVERNED BY CONTAGIONS
PENDULUM IN A PEASANT DRESS
INCURABLY INNOCENT
CALL BROKEN ARROW
HOLTZCLAW
TORRENTIALLY CUTSHAW
GHOST-TAPE NO.9
HOSTAGE STAMPS

At The Drive In is Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Paul Hinojos, Tony Hajjar and Keeley Davis.

At The Drive In
Live 2017

3/17/17 – New Orleans, LA – Civic Theatre
3/18/17 – Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
3/20/17 – Washington DC – 9:30 Club
3/22/17 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
3/25/17 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
3/27/17 – Detroit, MI — The Fillmore
3/29/17 – Toronto, Canada – Rebel (formerly Sound Academy)
5/6/17 — El Paso TX — County Coliseum
5/8/17 — Phoenix AZ — Marquee Theatre
5/9/17 — San Diego CA — Soma
5/12/17 — San Francisco CA — Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
5/13/17 — Los Angeles CA — Shrine Auditorium
5/17/17 — Mexico City — Pepsi Center WTC
6/7/17 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s
6/9/17 — San Antonio, TX — Aztec Theater
6/10/17 — Houston, TX — Revention Music Center
6/12/17 — Dallas, TX — South Side Ballroom
6/13/17 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion
6/15/17 — Denver, CO — The Fillmore
6/17/17 — St. Paul, MN — Palace Theatre
6/18/17 — Chicago, IL — Aragon Ballroom
6/20/17 — Columbus, OH — Express Live!
6/21/17 — Cleveland, OH — Agora Theatre
8/15-17/17 — St. Pölten, Austria — FM4 Frequency Festival 2017
8/16-19/17 — Paredes De Coura, Portugal — Paredes De Coura Festival 2017
8/16-19/17 — Kiewit, Belgium — Pukkelpop Festival 2017
8/25-27/17 — Weatherby, UK — Leeds Festival 2017
8/25-27/17 — Reading, UK — Reading Festival 2017

LEGENDARY MISFITS GUITARIST DOYLE WOLFGANG VON FRANKENSTEIN ANNOUNCES US TOUR WITH ELEMENT A440

Currently wrapping up the European leg of the ABOMINATE THE WORLD Tour, DOYLE, the eponymous band of Legendary MISFITS guitarist DOYLE WOLFGANG VON FRANKENSTEIN has announced their first US dates of 2017, the first supporting their upcoming LP DOYLE II: AS WE DIE, in stores May 5th from EMP LABEL GROUP, and Doyle’s own MONSTERMAN RECORDS.

Doyle recently released a clip of “Run For Your Life”, the first track from AS WE DIE at the following location: https://soundcloud.com/emplabelgroup/doyle-run-for-your-life-clip

AS WE DIE will be available Worldwide on CD and LP May 5, and is currently available for pre-order from empmerch.com, including several international versions with alternate artwork configurations, including art by legendary horror/comic/album cover artist Mister Sam Shearon, known for his iconic works with Rob Zombie, Iron Maiden, Clive Barker, KISS, Ministry, Rammstein, X-Files, and more.

ABOMINATE THE WORLD TOUR 2017
EAST COAST INVASION

3/23/2017 The Reel Café Wilmington, NC
3/24/2017 Drunk Horse Pub Fayetteville, NC
3/26/2017 Fish Head Cantina Halethorpe, MD
3/29/2017 The V Club Huntington, WV
3/30/2017 The Warehouse Clarksville, TN
4/1/2017 Top Fuel Saloon Braidwood, IL
4/2/2017 Emerson Theater Indianapolis, IN
4/4/2017 Big Shots Valparaiso, IN
4/5/2017 Lookout Lounge Omaha, NE
4/7/2017 The Back Bar Janesville, WI
4/8/2017 The Rave Milwaukee, WI
4/9/2017 Outland Ballroom Springfield, MO
4/10/2017 Firebird St. Louis, MO
4/11/2017 Trixie’s Louisville, KY
4/12/2017 The Token Lounge Detroit, MI
4/13/2017 The Agora Cleveland, OH
4/14/2017 Diesel Pittsburgh, PA
4/15/2017 Gramercy NYC, NY
4/18/2017 Canal Club Richmond, VA
4/19/2017 Brighton Bar Long Branch, NJ
4/20/2017 The Reverb Reading, PA
4/21/2017 Montage Rochester, NY
4/22/2017 Loft Poughkeepsie, NY

ABOMINATE THE WORLD TOUR – EUROPE 2017

2/21 BADED, SWITZERLAND – WERKK
2/23 MADRID, SPAIN – SALA LEMON
2/24 BARCELONA, SPAIN – ESTRAPERLO
2/25 ROMANS/ISERE FRANCE – LA CORDONNERIE
2/26 ST JEAN DE VEDAS FRANCE – SECRET PLACE
2/27 PARIS FRANCE – GLAZERT

In addition to AS WE DIE, EMP/MONSTERMAN will release several limited edition vinyl configurations, as well as a CD reissue, of DOYLE’s Critically-acclaimed ABOMINATOR, and releases from DEAD GIRLS CORP., element a440, and more.

DOYLE, the current project of Von Frankenstein, with CANCERSLUG vocalist Alex “Wolfman” Story, and a current touring lineup rounded out by bassist Brandon Strate and drummer Brandon Pertzborn, continues the lineage of Doyle’s former projects, pairing crushing metal riffs with ferocious Punk Rock swagger.

GHOUL: Creepsylvanian Masked Misfits To Devour The Dead Across The UK And Europe On Tour

The Creepsylvanian masked misfits in GHOUL will devour the dead overseas on a near-two-week tour next week. Slated to commence on February 25th, GHOUL will feast on the entrails of the deceased though the United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland, Germany, and Austria, with an included stop in The Netherlands for an appearance at the Netherlands Death Fest.

Proclaims Digestor of the band’s latest incursion: “We are excited to travel once again through the socialist hellscapes of Europe. Cinch up your dirndles and prepare yourself for the impending bloodbath, you sausage eating noodnicks. GHOUL is coming and we can’t be reasoned with!”

GHOUL:
2/25/2017 Northumbria University – Newcastle, UK
2/26/2017 The Audio – Glasgow, UK
2/27/2017 The Doghouse – Nottingham, UK
2/28/2017 Temple Of Boom – Leeds, UK
3/01/2017 Underworld – London, UK
3/02/2017 Het Bos – Antwerpen, BE
3/03-05/2017 Netherlands Death Fest – Tilburg, NL
3/06/2017 Goldgrube – Kassel, DE
3/07/2017 Ciemna Strona Miasta – Wroclaw, PL
3/08/2017 Chemiefabrik – Dresden, DE
3/09/2017 Viper Room- Wien, AU
3/12/2017 Bastard Club – Osnabrück, DE

GHOUL continues to tour in support of their delightfully deviant Dungeon Bastards studio offering. Released via Tankcrimes in July 2016, the record consumed Billboard Charts upon its first week of release debuting at #11 on the Heatseekers Chart, #13 on the Top Vinyl Albums Chart, #13 on the Hard Rock Chart, and #27 on the Independent Albums Chart. The band also earned prime spots on year end lists globally including the #19 position of Decibel’s Top 40 Albums Of 2016.

“11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory”
Dropkick Murphys
Born & Bred
Producer: Ted Hutt
Tracks: 11

Our score: 4 out of 5 stars

Everyone’s favorite Bostonian punk band Dropkick Murphys are back with a brand new studio album titled “11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory”. The album (the bands ninth) is being released via the groups own Born & Bred label and features 11 tracks which were produced by Grammy Award winning producer Ted Hutt.

With a four year lapse since the release of 2013’s “Signed and Sealed in Blood” fans of Dropkick Murphys have had a bit of a wait for new material however with the release of “11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory” DKM has made up for that lost time. The album opens up with a mostly instrumental track titled “The Lonesome Boatman”. The track which features gang like chanting serves as sort of a rallying call announcing the bands return. I found this to be a fitting way to open the album given the gap between this album and the last. As you make your way through the albums 11 tracks you get a spattering blend of traditional and non-traditional instrumentation mixed with vocalists Ken Casey and Al Barr’s signature Boston snarl. Tracks like the upbeat “Rebels with a Cause” and the rawkus “I Had a Hat” are classic DKM in their subject matter and approach while the 1945 Rogers and Hammerstein show tune “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is given a folk/punk makeover that is new and fresh while still paying homage to the original. Another track worth mentioning is the somber “4-15-13” which is the bands heart-felt tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

“11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory” is everything fans of Dropkick Murphy’s have come to love about the band and their music. The only negative I really found was as the title suggests the album is a bit short. Clocking in at less than 40 minutes I seemed to be through all 11 tracks before I knew it, the upside is the albums diversity makes it easy to listen to multiple times through without it getting stale or redundant negating its short run time. No matter if you are a long time fan of the boys from Boston or a more casual listener the latest release from Dropkick Murphy’s surely has something you will enjoy.

Track Listing:
1.) The Lonesome Boatman
2.) Rebels with a Cause
3.) Blood
4.) Sandlot
5.) First Class Loser
6.) Paying My Way
7.) I Had a Hat
8.) Kicked to the Curb
9.) You’ll Never Walk Alone
10.) 4-15-13
11.) Until the Next Time

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DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT Announce US Tour Dates

DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT will return to the road in the US this year with a two week stretch of dates; some of which will see the band playing support for Opeth. The band continues to tour on the strength of their new record, Transcendence. Speaking about their upcoming shows in North America, Devin comments:

“Continuing on our run to support Transcendence, we are coming back to America for a quick run with Opeth and Gojira as well as some additional dates to get us to and from those shows. We are many places this year and are trying to make sure we take advantage of our geographic locations as we roll. The band keeps getting stronger and we look forward to seeing you there!”

DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT – Upcoming US Dates

Friday, April 28th – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House*
Saturday, April 29th – Flagstaff, AZ @ The Orpheum*
Sunday, April 30th – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater*
Tuesday, May 2nd – St Louis, MO @ The Ready Room*
Thursday, May 4th – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues*
Friday, May 5th – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls*
Saturday, May 6th – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory^^
Sunday, May 7th – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom^
Tuesday, May 9th – Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre^
Thursday, May 11th – Denver, CO @ Red Rock Amphitheatre^
Friday, May 12th – Kansas City, KS @ Arvest Bank Theatre^
Saturday, May 13th – Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room^
Sunday, May 14th – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s**

* – Headlining with Thank You Scientist & ONI
** – Headlining with Thank You Scientist
^ – Supporting Opeth & Gojira
^^ – Supporting Mastodon, Opeth & Gojira